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Black Orchids – An Interview With Design Duo Augustin Teboul

French designer and craftsmanship loving Odély Teboul met her German partner in crime, Annelie Augustin, a construction fanatic, back in 2003, when they were both studying in Paris. It wasn’t until years later, after a chance encounter in London, that they decided to start their own brand and founded Augustin Teboul in 2010. Currently based in Berlin, the high-end label that has been described as being on the edge between ready-to-wear and haute couture, has since gathered quite the following and managed to rake in raving reviews. With over 14 international point of sales, consisting of some of the most exquisite boutiques, such as L’Eclaireur in Paris and Allure in Frankfurt, the luxurious label is firmly on its way out of obscurity. And rightfully so. Augustin Teboul has already been awarded 5 times, the most recent being the Dorchester Collection fashion prize, and it won’t be long before they can add a few more to the list.

“After graduation, we both have been very lucky to have had the opportunity to work for some of the biggest names in fashion, such as Yohji Yamamoto and Jean Paul Gaultier, before getting together and starting our own label. We found it quite essential to see how an actual fashion house operates and to experience the entire process, which has given us invaluable insights in how to run our own business. The brand’s style is the essence of both our visions combined and we are able to work quite organically this way. Starting a collection is always a work in progress, a matter of experiment, experience and exchange and that’s how an idea evolves in the long run. All of our collections so far have been all-black, which is a definite signature of both our aesthetics. However, this does not mean we won’t ever use color, never say never after all, but until now it has always worked out that way. Also, Annelie is all about clear and modern lineation, while I am much more into artistically chaotic handwork, and this combination manages to express the historical and cultural associations in our designs; re-discovering femininity in a post-romantic echo. The concept of our recent Fall/Winter 2014 collection, aptly titled ‘Somewhen’, was all about temporality in an undefined space, heavily inspired by geometric elements and combining different ethnic influences. In terms of materials, we like to create textures by way of embroidery and eclectically mixing lace, knitwear, silk and leather. The Augustin Teboul signature is based on craftsmanship, therefore it is vital that each garment represents exactly that, even if it is in the minor details. And as for the future? Currently we are already discussing our next collection, which will hopefully bring us a good sales season in Paris and Milan”!